Recreational Cyclocross and GravelbikingThis has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like :The Dirty Kanza". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Hello all I just stumbled across your forum today when searching for some information on the Tricross bikes. I bought a mountain bike back in October and rode it for the first time about two weeks ago. I'm a fairly big guy that's trying to lose some weight therefore decided to try cycling in which I'm enjoying immensely.

At 6'3 and 265 lbs am I too big for a Cyclocross bike? I've been riding every other day for two weeks getting in an average of around 12 miles per day and was considering efficency. I feel rather comfortable on the mountain bike in which I have only been riding on pavement and have no immediate interest in trail riding.

So once again I'm wondering if I'm too big for the bike and was interested in if the bike would be comftorable or not. Of course the LBS said that the bike would be a fine fit for me in a 61cm but that they would have to special order it because it was on backorder (Specialized Tricross Sport Triple) $1,300.

Funny thing is, I've never seen a big guy on a road bike and was thinking that I may look like an idiot on the road. When I took my MB in for service I simply fell in love with the design of Tricross bike and thought that it would be a perfect fit for what I'm trying to accomplish. Please feel free to give me any advice and tips on shedding some weight as well.......... Thank You

you are absolutely not too big, far from it. i've seen guys much bigger than you on road bikes and cross bikes and not one of them has looked like an idiot.

as far as comfort, you'll be leaning more forward. you'll probably move your body less over the bike and you'll have more places to put your hands. this is more comfortable for some rides, less comfortable for others. but for most rides with a smooth surface, i think you'll find you're quite comfortable as long as the bike fits you.

i always recommend trying a test ride before committing money, but your shop will probably ask for a deposit. if they do, ask if you can put that money towards another bike from them if the tricross doesn't suit you. take it for a nice long test ride and if you like it then you can buy it and dial in the fit perfectly.

A cyclocross is a lot tougher than a straight road bike and so will easily handle your weight, esp. if you don't intend on banging it down tough singletrack.

The cyclocross geometry, particularly the Tricross is more relaxed than a straight road bike (more stable/not as twitchy, and with more upright sitting position) and should feel halfway between a MTB and performance road racing bike.

The cyclocross tires, with their taller, wider profile, will cushion your ride more... mini suspension if you will.